CSUN Dance Showcase to Demonstrate Diverse Choreographic Vision
Dancers Hagop Tanashian and Anaiis Avenesian. Photo by Lee Choo.
Top student choreographers and dancers from California State University, Northridge will showcase their talents during three passionate performances of “Kinesis: Emerging Choreography.”
The performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, in the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall, located on the east side of campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.
“The choreographers are very dedicated; they are doing a lot of really heartfelt themes,” said Paula Thomson, professor and dance coordinator in CSUN’s Department of Kinesiology. “One of the 14 performances is dedicated to the anniversary of the Armenian genocide, which is recognized on April 24, the day before the first performance.”
The Department of Kinesiology sponsors “Kinesis: Emerging Choreography,” showcasing many talented dancers, choreographers and lighting designers. Choreographic diversity will be the hallmark of the performances, with dance styles ranging from urban street to tap and contemporary. In collaboration with the music and theater departments, new compositions and lighting designs will be featured throughout the concert.
“Kinesis is the combining of form and the sensation of movement,” Thomson said. “Dance at its best does just that — both dancer and audience viscerally experience movement and sense the coherent form inherent in good choreography.”
On Thursday, April 26, a tribute to Mary Jo Sariscsany will take place after the matinee performance. Sariscsany, now retired, worked in the kinesiology department for almost two decades. She is a leader in the education field and a supporter of CSUN’s dancers, said Thomson.
“Dr. Sariscsany has inspired countless educators who are working throughout the country,” she said.“When we have faculty retire we often include a tribute/celebration to them. We are eager to extend our gratitude to her.”
Tickets are $15 for students and seniors, and $20 for adults. To purchase tickets, call (818) 677-2488. For more information about the performance, contact Thomson at paula.thomson@csun.edu.
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